Expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula and Southern Shetland Islands

A very special expedition experience with Albatros Expeditions: You will visit the Antarctic Peninsula as well as the Southern Shetland Islands. With some luck, your journey will be accompanied by penguins and whales in an extreme and breathtaking world. Marvel at passing ice floes and impressive icebergs as far as the eye can see. You will travel to one of the most untouched areas on earth and experience an incomparable nature. The price per person refers to accommodation in a double cabin for double occupancy.

Expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula and Southern Shetland Islands: The itinerary

Day 1: Boarding in Ushuaia, Argentina
Perhaps you arrive a few days earlier and explore Ushuaia in Argentina - the southernmost city in the world. From here, the travel package begins with a transfer from the city to the ship. After boarding in the afternoon, a safety drill will be conducted. The adventure starts from Ushuaia towards the Beagle Channel. Keep an eye out for dolphins and whales and look forward to the exciting days ahead.

Day 2 - 3: Heading south on the Drake Passage
Start your day with a hearty breakfast. Head south through the Drake Passage, separating Patagonia from the Antarctic Peninsula. The Drake Passage is known for rough seas and high waves. It can be quite turbulent, but with luck, the sea can also be calm. The days are filled with informative lectures and readings to prepare you for the destination. On the third day, you will cross the Antarctic Convergence - from here you will observe the temperature drop as you head further south into the Antarctic waters. This is a sudden cooling marking the intersection of the Antarctic waters with the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific. With the cooling of the sea, the wildlife increases; these are some of the most biologically productive waters on Earth, so you can expect to see a plethora of storm petrels, albatrosses, and possibly penguins, seals, and whales. Depending on the weather conditions, you may arrive at the Southern Shetland Islands (a small but spectacular archipelago north of the Antarctic Peninsula) on the third day and begin exploring."

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Days 4-7: Southern Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula
The Southern Shetland Islands welcome you during your expedition to Antarctica. This chain of rugged rocks marks the northernmost point of Antarctica and is most exposed to the storms of the Southern Ocean. As a result, it is also one of the richest areas in terms of wildlife, with large colonies of Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, as well as a variety of large seabirds such as the predatory Giant Petrels. Some of the landing sites that can be visited on the South Shetland Islands include the black steaming sands and rusted ruins of Deception Island (an active volcanic crater), the bustling penguin colonies on Aitcho and Half Moon Islands, or the old anchoring spot of seal hunters in Yankee Harbour. In the following days, the ship will take you to the Antarctic Peninsula in the Gerlache Strait region. Since this region is typically icy, the exact route is carefully planned by the expedition management and the captain to visit a variety of interesting places and see the best of this stunningly beautiful region. You will encounter massive icebergs and impressive glaciers during a Zodiac cruise in Paradise Bay. Perhaps you can observe penguins on Cuverville Island or witness ice waterfalls plunging into the clear blue ocean while hiking over the active glaciers of Neko Harbour. Experience history up close in historic huts like Damoy Point, lovingly restored and open to all. With some luck, you may feel the spray of a humpback whale during a Zodiac safari in Wilhelmina Bay or marvel at breathtaking landscapes during a boat ride through the Lemaire Channel. Wherever you go: Antarctica enchants with a rich wildlife, captivating history, and breathtaking nature. During evening meetings with your expedition leader, you will learn about the planned route for the next days or any changes, as well as valuable information about the experiences or plans. Always keep in mind: In Antarctica, all human activity is subject to the whims of Mother Nature. Of course, every effort is made to maximize opportunities for onshore exploration, with safety for guests and crew always being the top priority. Embrace the spirit of the expedition and be flexible: Bad weather offers the opportunity to expand your knowledge of Antarctica with lectures from the experienced expedition team, or to enjoy the ship's first-class comfort, whether it's with a wine tasting, relaxing in the hot tubs, or enjoying a soothing massage.

Days 8 - 9: Heading North on the Drake Passage
It is time to leave Antarctica and embark on the journey north through the Drake Passage. Approximately two days to return to the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia in Argentina. On board, various activities are available to reflect on the journey in peace and to round it off. Listen to the exciting lectures of the expedition team, enjoy a delicious cocktail with a great view, or look out for seabirds accompanying you on this journey. On the last evening, toast with the captain and officers at the Farewell Cocktail. A presentation with photos and videos of the journey by the onboard photographer will conclude the evening, providing the perfect opportunity to relive your Antarctic adventure.

Day 10: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
After a final hearty breakfast, it is unfortunately time to say goodbye. Disembarkation takes place in Ushuaia and the journey ends with a transfer to the city or the airport.

Travel Information:
Boarding and disembarkation take place in Ushuaia. The journey begins with a transfer from the city center in Ushuaia to the ship and ends with a transfer to the city center in Ushuaia or the airport."

Expedition Vessel:
Ocean Albatros
The Ocean Albatros is a stylish and revolutionary passenger ship that combines the advantages of a small expedition vessel with those of a luxury cruise ship. With a maximum occupancy of 175 passengers in 94 state-of-the-art cabins and suites, a warm hearted, caring crew and a guest-to-guide ratio of 8:1, an intimate and friendly atmosphere is created on board. Each of the cozy and private cabins offers an undisturbed view of the vastness of the sea, most even with their own balcony. The ship has two restaurants and a wellness area with a heated pool, jacuzzis, sauna and spa. There are also various bars, lounges and a modern lecture hall on board. The Ocean Albatros is a "comfort class" certified ship, sailing with the lowest noise and vibration levels in the industry. She is also "clean-ship-certified", runs on Tier 3-compliant engines (4 diesel engines, 2 electric engines) and therefore has one of the cleanest propulsion systems in the world.

Ocean Victory
Albatros Expeditions' fleet was expanded by the Ocean Victory in November 2021 and established as one of the most modern small ships in the market. Stylish and modern, this ship welcomes you in the Antarctic, offering 93 cabins for 175 passengers - all with ocean views (and 90% with their own balcony). With multiple restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other amenities, the vessel is also environmentally friendly onboard, thanks to the Green Initiative Program implementation, ensuring both absolute comfort and sustainability. With one of the highest Polar Code 6 and Ice class 1A, Ocean Victory is the ideal vessel for small-ship cruises due to its sturdy construction and X-Bow®-Infinity class, providing high stability and smooth movements on high waves. The ship is part of a brand new generation of low-energy vessels with 4 diesel engines and 2 electro engines, all electronically controlled to optimize speed and fuel consumption.
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